Types of grain
BARLEY
We grow malt variety Barley – a variety that can be used as a malt to make beer and whisky, among other things. The trick to growing this variety is to get the moisture content just right. If it doesn’t have the right moisture content, it can’t be used as a malt.
OATS
For oats, we grow mostly Quaker varieties. These are oats that Quaker, the world’s largest cereal mill, will use for their cereals. As with the Barley, the moisture content and color of the oats have to match specifications made by Quaker to be accepted.
WINTER RYE & WINTER WHEAT
After the Barley and Oat crop is harvested in the fall, we’ll plant a Winter Rye or Winter Wheat crop. This protects the ground over the winter months from becoming completely barren under the harsh conditions. The harvest in the spring is used for future sowing or sold as feed.
Rotation Crops
LENTIL RYE
We plant Lentil Rye underneath the Barley and Oat crops, to maintain the rich soil throughout the changing seasons. Lentil Rye is a short grass variety that remains low to the ground to give the soil nutrients and protection from erosion.
ANNUAL RYE
Our Annual Rye crop is what is called a “green cover” crop, which means it isn’t harvested for any purpose. Instead, the green cover holds the ground and is ploughed at the right time.
SORGHUM SUDANGRASS
ALFALFA
Learn about how we deliver
Ask about a delivered program from any and all of Smith’s Farm ship points!
